OLBIA – Kisses, hugs, and tears, fortunately also of joy. Thus ends the Giro Donne dominated by Annemiek Van Vleuten, thus ends the career of Marta Bastianelli. And it is a career finale written by a benevolent screenwriter, who reflects on the sea of Olbia Chiara Consonni's smile, teammate and roommate of the thirty-six year old Lazio player with the rainbow stripes on her shirt Uae Adq.
From Chiara with love
The Bergamo area he had won the last sprint even in the last edition and jokes about it: «I make them wait until the last minute. But I'm very happy because There were many tough stages and I couldn't even have my say in the flat one.But today I'm satisfied, also because it's Marta's last race. And even if it's mine and not his, I think he will always remember this victory.. It is definitely dedicated to her."
And Marta, a little further on, specifies: «Today we were all for Chiara, she's the fast oneWe spent ten days together in the same room, working hard so she could reach this stage in good condition. Today was very tough for her too,” she says. “She dropped off on several climbs, but we were always waiting for her and motivating her. I ran with my radio on, explaining to her step by step what she had to do. and I hope he listened to me and will take this advice to heart for the rest of his career."
A 55-star journey
With little Clarissa, 9 years old, on stage celebrating with the whole UAE and her husband Roberto watching her from below, Marta can only be a satisfied womanHis career ("Concluded with 55 victories", he points out) had started with a bang, with that world championship won in Stuttgart which could have even crushed her, but which had the function of showing her the way«Everything started from there, my career and the awareness that I could become a great athlete. Cycling has certainly changed since then.».
Meanwhile Marta was pedaling, between a setback and a victory, with many sacrifices that many victories alone aren't enough to pay off. There must be more. "Everything is always done with a goal, become great athletes, always be at the top of the top, worthy of the name of our team and our flag."
And there were many teams, with many teammates with whom the relationship was also close: «Many of them were also friends. You have to make yourself loved in this worldI believe that even in these days there has been proof that I'm well-liked in the group and this makes me happier than a victory."
Longing for normality
The greatest friendship, indeed the great love was with the bicycle. Often these relationships are peppered with small, big betrayals. Not Marta's: «There have been no betrayals by me towards him or by him towards me. However… There have been many defeats, which have led me to be even stronger throughout my career».
He still has some of the many used bikes: "I kept the ones from the teams I won the most important races with. Of course, a little space is needed."
What will there be room for in your future? "For everyday life. I want to put into practice everything that cycling has taught me to have a better life.». And he can't wait to «stay home, simply and not see airports for a while."
And if she had to complete the sentence: there's no great cyclist without it! She adds confidently: "Without a great woman! And then also a great family. I had my team at home who helped me and supported me. at every moment of my career."
The Olympic dream
Marta is calm, he has no great regrets, although he admits: «There are some classics that I would have liked to win. The Olympics for sure it has always been a race in which putting a medal around my neck would make me happy."
But it's done now. Cavendish could continue another year to try and get another chance at winning the thirty-fifth stage of the Tour: "I wouldn't do it. I made this decision now because I thought it was the best momentI want to experience my victories, all my successes, in a peaceful way. Cycling has changed a lot, certainly for the better.The level is very high and requires great attention."
Marianne's Embrace
Marianne Vos, who nearly repeated her 2022 success here in Olbia, passes by, they look at each other, hug. They are practically twins (14 days age difference), they have fought many battles, there is enormous respect.
«She is one of the great names in women's cycling – says the Dutch champion of Jumbo-Visma – we raced a lot together and of course I want to wish her all the best for her future life. And above all I want to congratulate her on a great career that she should be proud of».
Champion of Italy, Europe, and the World: One of the best Italian cyclists of the twenty-first century has retired.. With a few tears, with a big smile.
